Red yeast rice, fish oil, beet chews, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) gel caps, magnesium powder, garlic pills—there are many supplements on the market advertised as “heart-healthy.” But are these really worth taking?
“Many different supplements have been evaluated with respect to coronary artery disease, such as vitamin D, over-the-counter fish oils and calcium. But studies overall haven’t proven their effectiveness,” says Daniel Kiss, M.D., a cardiac interventionist at Jersey Shore University Medical Center.
Heart Supplements: Do Your Homework
Without a clear, quantifiable benefit, Dr. Kiss usually doesn’t recommend supplements advertised as heart-healthy to his patients. That said, he encourages those who are contemplating taking supplements for their cardiovascular health to do their research before they start taking them.
Researching online about supplements for heart health can be overwhelming and confusing, as different sources may present a wide variety of claims, and the information about the same supplement can vary from source to source.
1. Dr. Kiss recommends talking to your doctor first.
2. He also recommends PubMed, a free online database of biomedical literature that is part of the National Library of Medicine. “I go to PubMed because I can read studies directly and make an informed decision based on the actual study data,” he says.
Better Options for Heart Health
While the research on taking supplements for cardiovascular health may not be ringing endorsements, it’s clear that diet and exercise benefit heart health.
“A diet that’s primarily plant-based, low in animal fats and protein, and low in saturated fats can reduce cardiovascular risk and help people live longer,” Dr. Kiss says. “What you’re eating on a daily basis is incredibly important for your overall health.”
Likewise, so is moving your body with regular exercise. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Physical Guidelines for Americans recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise and strength-training a week. Dr. Kiss recommends HHS’s Move Your Way program, which offers a variety of tools, including videos and sample exercise routines for all age groups.
Because each person’s health and exercise needs are individual to them, Dr. Kiss recommends talking to your doctor before beginning an exercise regimen and for advice on what exercises will most benefit you. Working with a physical trainer to get started is also helpful but it should not be a non-starter if that isn’t available to you.
“Genetics plays a predominant role in coronary artery disease, but people should feel empowered to control their own cardiovascular health,” says Dr. Kiss. “Heart health is heavily influenced by diet, exercise and not smoking. Though medications can help, there’s no root or herb that you can chew on that’s going to make it better. It’s exercising and eating healthy that makes the most difference.”
Next Steps & Resources
- Meet our source: Daniel Kiss, M.D.
- To make an appointment with a cardiologist near you, call 800-822-8905 or visit our website.
- Learn about heart care at Hackensack Meridian Health
- Schedule a heart screening today
- Are you at risk for heart disease? Take our quiz
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